Genesis 20

1Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, then sojourned in Gerar.

2Abraham said Sarah his wife was his sister, and Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.

3God came to Abimelech in a dream at night and said to him, "See, you are a dead man because of the woman you have taken; she has a husband."

4Abimelech had not approached her, and he said, "Lord, will you destroy even a righteous nation?"

5Did he not say to me, "She is my sister"? Even she herself said, "He is my brother." In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands have I done this.

6God said to him in a dream, "Yes, I know that you did this with integrity in your heart, and I too restrained you from sinning against me; therefore I did not allow you to touch her."

7Now, restore the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you will live; but if you do not restore her, know that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.

8Abimelech arose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told them all these matters in their ears; the men were greatly afraid.

9Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? What sin have I committed against you, that you have brought a great sin on me and my kingdom? You have done against me deeds that must not be done."

10Abimelech said to Abraham, "What did you see, that you did this thing?"

11Abraham said, "Because I said, 'Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me for my wife.'"

12And indeed she is my sister, daughter of my father, but not daughter of my mother; she became my wife.

13It happened, when God made me stray from my father's house, that I said to her, "This is your kindness, which you shall show me; at every place where we come, say of me there, 'He is my brother.'"

14Abimelech took sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants, gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him.

15Abimelech said, "See, my land lies before you; settle wherever seems best to you."

16To Sarah he said, "Look, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Look, it is to you a covering of eyes to all who are with you, and to all—you are cleared."

17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maids, and they bore children.

18For Yahweh had closed up all the wombs of Abimelech's house because of the matter of Sarah, Abraham's wife.